SXSW kicks off today in Austin, and we’re happy to share how you can engage with some great VR content on the ground—plus how you can experience the action LIVE from home with Oculus Venues!

By tapping into the sense of presence delivered by VR and 360° media, content creators and nonprofits alike can share personal stories and raise awareness of important social issues to drive meaningful change. We’re honored for Oculus VR for Good Creators Lab projects to be represented in SXSW’s Virtual Cinema Program for the third year in a row.

As part of this year’s selections, people can step inside an immersive look at women’s empowerment in India, a dangerous post-combat landscape in Iraq, and medical intervention in Africa.

“I want girls to look at me and think they can achieve anything they want,” says 17-year-old Rani, from Varanasi, India. Her family has been destined to wash clothing by their society’s caste system—but growing up in a community that believes girls should stay at home, do chores, and get married doesn’t stop her. She’s determined to finish school and go to college. As we follow Rani through Girl Icon, she gives us an intimate glimpse of her hopes, frustrations, and dreams. Directed by Sadah Espii Proctor in partnership with Malala Fund.

Home After War is an interactive VR experience that takes you to Fallujah. The war has ended, but the city is still unsafe. Booby-trapped homes and IEDs are looming threats for returning refugees. Ahmaied Hamad Khalaf and his family returned to find that their home was no longer the same. In Home After War, Khalaf shares his story and invites you in to experience for yourself what it’s like to fear the home you once loved. Directed by Gayatri Parameswaran in partnership with Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

Our next story begins with Edith, a 14-year-old who lives in the village of Centre Lobo with her parents and eight siblings. At the age of seven, Edith started to feel a pain that eventually grew into a tumor on her lower right jaw the size of lemon. Edith is mocked and teased at school, and even accused of being the victim of witchcraft. Despite the hardships she faces, Edith is notably happy and playful. In Mercy, we follow Edith as she travels by foot through the jungle for days in order to have a life-transforming surgery. Directed by Armando Kirwin in partnership with Mercy Ships.

Join the Party + Bring SXSW Home

We partnered with Supersphere and SXSW to bring you 90+ acts LIVE over four days and nights from the Mohawk in downtown Austin. And thanks to Oculus Venues, you can enjoy it with friends and fellow fans from different spots around the globe. Here’s a taste of what’s in store: